Indian-turnip (Arisaema triphyllum, H.W.Schott & S.L.Endlicher, Melet. Bot.: 17 (1832))

Family: Araceae

Author: (L.) Schott

Bibliography: H.W.Schott & S.L.Endlicher, Melet. Bot.: 17 (1832)

Year: 1832

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Arisaema

Vegetable: False

Observations: C. & E. Canada to C. & E. U.S.A.

Description

Indian-turnip, scientifically known as Arisaema triphyllum, is a fascinating member of the Araceae family. First described in the early 19th century, it has since captured the interest of botanists and plant enthusiasts alike. This plant, also known as Jack-in-the-pulpit, is native to central and eastern Canada as well as the central and eastern regions of the United States, where it thrives in a variety of woodland environments.

One of the standout features of the Indian-turnip is its distinctive inflorescence. The plant produces a curious structure that includes a spadix, commonly referred to as “Jack,” which is enclosed by a hood-like spathe, the “pulpit.” This unique floral arrangement not only adds to the plant’s allure but also plays a crucial role in its reproductive process, inviting pollinators to venture inside.

The leaves of Arisaema triphyllum are another noteworthy characteristic. Typically, the plant has three leaflets, which is reflected in its species name, “triphyllum,” meaning “three-leaved.” These leaves are borne on a solitary stem and can vary in size, often reaching up to 20 inches in length. The plant’s overall height can vary, generally ranging from one to two feet tall, which makes it a humble yet striking presence in the understory of forests.

Indian-turnip has a long history of use among Indigenous peoples, who valued its corm for its medicinal properties. However, due caution is advised if considering this plant for any kind of use, as the corms contain calcium oxalate crystals, making them highly toxic when raw. Proper preparation is essential to render them safe for consumption.

Its natural habitat in shaded, moist forest floors makes Indian-turnip a resilient plant, well-suited to temperate climates. It prefers rich, acidic soils and benefits from the dappled sunlight filtering through the forest canopy. This adaptability allows it to flourish in areas where other plants might struggle, contributing to the biodiversity of its native regions.

In cultivating Arisaema triphyllum, gardeners should aim to replicate its natural conditions as closely as possible. Providing a site with well-drained yet moist soil, ample organic matter, and partial to full shade will encourage healthy growth. Though it may require some patience to establish, the unique charm of the Indian-turnip makes it a rewarding addition to any shade garden.

In summary, Indian-turnip (Arisaema triphyllum) is a remarkable plant with distinctive features, a broad native range, and a rich cultural history. Its intriguing appearance and adaptability make it a subject of interest in both natural and cultivated settings, where it continues to captivate those who encounter it.

Common Names

Eng: indian-turnip, jack in the pulpit, jack-in-the-pulpit, indian jack-in-the-pulpit, indian turnip
Deu: dreiblättriger feuerkolben
Fra: petit prêcheur, arisème petit-prêcheur, ariséma rouge-foncé, gouet, oignon sauvage, petit-prêcheur, pied de veau
En: Indian-turnip, Jack-in-the-pulpit, Jack in the pulpit, Indian Jack-in-the-pulpit, Indian turnip
Fr: Petit prêcheur, Arisème petit-prêcheur, Ariséma rouge-foncé, Gouet, Oignon sauvage, Petit-prêcheur, Pied de veau
De: Dreiblättriger Feuerkolben

Synonyms

• Arum triphyllum (L.)
• Arum atrorubens (Aiton)
• Arisaema quinatum var. obtusoquinatum (Alph.Wood)
• Arisaema atrorubens var. viride (Engl.)
• Arum triphyllum var. viride (Sims)
• Arum triphyllum var. virens (Michx.)
• Arisaema atrorubens f. viride ((Engl.) Fernald)
• Arisaema triphyllum f. zebrinum ((Sims) F.Seym.)
• Arisaema triphyllum var. viride ((Engl.) Engl.)
• Arum triphyllum var. atrorubens ((Aiton) Dewey ex Alph.Wood)
• Arum triphyllum var. atropurpureum (Michx.)
• Arisaema triphyllum f. viride ((Engl.) Farw.)
• Arisaema deflexum (Nieuwl. & K.Just)
• Arum triphyllum var. zebrinum (Sims)
• Arisaema atrorubens f. zebrinum ((Sims) Fernald)
• Arisaema atrorubens var. zebrinum ((Sims) Raymond)
• Arum triphyllum var. pallescens (Sims)
• Arum vittatum (Salisb.)
• Arisaema brasilianum (Blume)
• Arisaema atrorubens ((Aiton) Blume)
• Alocasia triphylla ((L.) Raf.)
• Arisaema hastatum (Blume)
• Arisaema atrorubens f. pallascens ((Sims) Raymond)
• Arisaema zebrinum (G.Nicholson)
• Arisaema triphyllum var. montanum (Fernald)
• Alocasia atrorubens ((Aiton) Raf.)
• Alocasia lobata (Raf.)
• Arisaema triphyllum var. typicum (Engl.)

Distribution

• Alabama (native)
• Arkansas (native)
• Connecticut (native)
• Delaware (native)
• District of Columbia (native)
• Florida (native)
• Georgia (native)
• Illinois (native)
• Indiana (native)
• Iowa (native)
• Kansas (native)
• Kentucky (native)
• Louisiana (native)
• Maine (native)
• Manitoba (native)
• Maryland (native)
• Masachusettes (native)
• Michigan (native)
• Minnesota (native)
• Mississippi (native)
• Missouri (native)
• Nebraska (native)
• New Brunswick (native)
• New Hampshire (native)
• New Jersey (native)
• New York (native)
• North Carolina (native)
• North Dakota (native)
• Nova Scotia (native)
• Ohio (native)
• Oklahoma (native)
• Ontario (native)
• Pennsylvania (native)
• Prince Edward I. (native)
• Québec (native)
• Rhode I. (native)
• South Carolina (native)
• South Dakota (native)
• Tennessee (native)
• Texas (native)
• Vermont (native)
• Virginia (native)
• West Virginia (native)
• Wisconsin (native)

Additional Images

Leaf

Taken May 16, 2021 by Detroit R&D R&D (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 9, 2020 by Bingley Joshua (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 2, 2022 by Sally Sutton (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 8, 2020 by Bianca Legault (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 5, 2022 by McKaila Stafford (cc-by-sa)

Flower

Taken May 6, 2022 by Theresa Rosado (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 6, 2021 by Pegster (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 4, 2018 by Jennifer Soukup (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 5, 2022 by warren Swans (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 5, 2022 by warren Swans (cc-by-sa)

Fruit

Taken Oct 10, 2019 by Ed Andrews (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 9, 2021 by Alex Le coq (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 16, 2021 by Julian Mimovic (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 22, 2020 by Evan Duquette (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 8, 2020 by Bianca Legault (cc-by-sa)

Other

Taken Apr 24, 2022 by Matt Miller (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 24, 2022 by Matt Miller (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 11, 2017 by Hannah Renner (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 19, 2019 by Shelly Peterson Raza (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 7, 2020 by B C (cc-by-sa)

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

Habit

Taken May 28, 2014 by EOL − Matt Flower (cc-by-nc)

Taken Jun 18, 2014 by EOL − roy pilcher (cc-by-nc)

Taken Jun 22, 2014 by EOL − robincmoore (cc-by-nc)

Taken Apr 29, 2022 by jimseng jimseng (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 24, 2019 by Bruce Winter (cc-by-sa)

Bark

Taken May 29, 2021 by Jean-François Girard (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 30, 2020 by 志埜杜 (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 11, 2017 by Hannah Renner (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 17, 2022 by warren Swans (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 24, 2020 by Ted McIntosh (cc-by-sa)

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• WFO (No URL)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/2867316)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:1107169-2)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Arisaema triphyllum (L.) Schott)

Specifications

Growth form: Rhizomatous

Growth habit: Forb/herb

Growth rate: Moderate

Growth

Ph maximum: 7.0

Ph minimum: 4.8